Boomerang

Alicia Keys invited vocalists to audition to be her backup singer via video submission to MySpace. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity to leverage social networks in a new way – Keys can reach a global audience of hopefuls and can gauge, by video, the talent, appeal, and “shake-it” ability of each candidate on her own time.  

But what about that “certain something” that makes a top performer? Stage presence – a necessary ingredient for the thrill of live performance – is a quality not easily captured by video. Can the confidence and poise required for an onstage performance with a powerhouse songstress like Alicia Keys be encapsulated in a 30-second video? Maybe… maybe not. 

The Internet levels the playing field when it comes to intangibles like stage presence, charisma, interpersonal chemistry and overall people skills. MySpace and other social networks allow people to connect to opportunities that, before social media, might never have come their way.  Dancers from all over the globe can audition with Alicia Keys in the comfort of their own home – no pressure for stage presence required. 

Filmmakers can enter their work for the chance to be part of Paulho Coelho’s new social media-enabled film project – no interpersonal chemistry between collaborators necessary. Match.com members can establish clearly defined profiles designed to attract those that might not be interested if the pair were to initially meet in person – no pressure about a first impression since it’s done over e-mail! 

Social networks not only connect people to people, they connect people to opportunities. As we use online media to supplement (and often replace) what goes on in the offline world, I wonder how we will develop a virtual equivalent of physical chemistry and personal interaction – the magic of the human-to-human experience. I guess we can post a comment to Alicia’s MySpace page and get her insights once her auditions are over…